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Cross Cultural Exchange

Some needs and challenges that Indian women face is that not many women have access to health care even if they wanted the services recommended by their doctors. I had the opportunity to speak with three of the workers from PHRII and hear what they had to go through just to get the HPV vaccine. At this time, the HPV vaccine was not part of India's routine immunization schedule. However, the vaccine was available in some private healthcare facilities and clinics. Some of the private clinic’s provided the cost of the HPV vaccine at 2,000 rupees (approximately $200 USD), this price can indeed be a significant financial burden for many individuals in India, particularly considering that it is close to a month's salary for the average person. This cost can make it difficult for women to access the vaccine, especially those from low-income backgrounds. Furthermore, the lack of inclusion of the HPV vaccine in India's routine immunization schedule means that it is not widely accessible for free or at a subsidized cost through government healthcare programs. This further limit the availability and affordability of the vaccine for women who may benefit from it.

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During my time interviewing the workers at PHRII I learned that Indian women engage in a variety of beauty rituals deeply rooted in their cultural traditions. Ayurvedic skincare using natural ingredients like turmeric and sandalwood is common, while hair oiling with coconut or almond oil nourishes and strengthens the hair. Henna application, known as "mehndi," adorns the hands and feet with intricate designs for special occasions. Kajal or kohl is used to define and beautify the eyes, while saree draping showcases elegance and grace. Turmeric face masks brighten the skin and bring a natural radiance. These practices reflect the rich cultural heritage of India and highlight the use of natural ingredients to enhance beauty and well-being. Toe rings, a Bindi on your forehead, and a nose piercing on your left side usually means that you are married. The workers were also commenting on my tattoos and my large piercings on my ears. They were fascinated over how many tattoos I had and asked me if I had any regrets. In India if you have a tattoo, you are not able to join the military and you are seemed like a gangster which is very different in America.

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The living arrangements of Indian women can vary based on factors such as culture, region, socioeconomic status, and personal choices. Many women live in nuclear families, forming separate households with their spouses and children. Extended family living arrangements are also common, where women reside with their parents, siblings, and other relatives, providing a support system and shared responsibilities. Joint families, encompassing multiple generations, are prevalent, with women often living with their husband's extended family. In certain regions and cultural communities, matrilocal or matrilineal arrangements exist, where women live with their maternal families or in lineages that pass down through the female line. Additionally, changing social dynamics have led to increased instances of women living independently or with roommates. It's important to recognize the diverse living arrangements among Indian women, shaped by individual circumstances, cultural practices, and personal choices. The women in my group lived with their husband’s family.

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Wedding Ceremony

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